Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that Ukraine is prepared to hold new elections, provided that security conditions can be ensured. The last elections in the country took place in 2019, and Zelensky’s remarks came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested in an interview that the ongoing war with Russia has been used as a reason to delay voting. “I am ready for the elections,” Zelensky told reporters, emphasizing that polls could proceed only if the country’s safety is guaranteed.

Ukraine remains under martial law due to nearly four years of conflict with Russia. Zelensky said that lawmakers have been asked to draft proposals for amending election laws to allow voting under these conditions. He also appealed for international support, calling on the United States and European partners to help secure the environment necessary for holding elections. “I am now asking, I declare this openly, for the United States of America to help me, possibly together with European colleagues, to ensure security for holding elections,” he said.

Zelensky’s statements follow Trump’s comments advocating elections in Ukraine, noting the prolonged delay undermines democratic principles. At the same time, Ukraine faces mounting pressure from the United States to accept a proposed peace plan, which has been widely criticized for favoring Russia. The plan reportedly included surrendering the Donbas region in exchange for security guarantees that do not include full NATO membership.

Zelensky has consulted European allies to refine Ukraine’s position and formulate a measured response to the U.S. proposal. “We are working very actively on all components of potential steps toward ending the war. The Ukrainian and European components are now more developed, and we are ready to present them to our partners in the U.S. Together with the American side, we expect to swiftly make the potential steps as doable as possible,” he said, noting that the U.S. plan has been reduced from 28 points to 20.

Zelensky also ruled out any territorial concessions, stating that Ukraine has neither the legal nor moral authority to cede land under domestic law, the constitution, or international law. His remarks underscore Kyiv’s commitment to conducting elections while defending its sovereignty amid ongoing military and diplomatic challenges.